SAN DIEGO – Half way through the 29th annual Surface Line Week (SLW), competition remains keen between over 3,000 Sailors from 35 commands as they vie for spots on the winner’s podium.

Commands are categorized by the number of assigned personnel, and divided into three groups - large, medium and small. Points are awarded for achieving a top placing, and for participation. Last year Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) took home the overall "small command" title, while Afloat Training Group San Diego claimed a combined “medium/large command” category.

“Competition is fierce as teams reach tournament finals,” said Lt. Linda Hoffman, CNSP, overall Surface Line Week coordinator. “The level of command support continues to rise – every day, there are more and more people on the sidelines and in the bleachers, cheering on their command to victory.”

Today’s competitions included the individual 5K Race, Madden Football, marksmanship, stretcher/bearer, seamanship, and Maneuvering Boards; tournament play continued in team athletic events like basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer. Tomorrow’s lineup features the Navy Physical Readiness Test, Call of Duty, and Rescue Swimmer contests.

“Team HOWARD has had a great showing thus far,” says CMDCM (SW/AW) David Blackburn, of his command’s bid to finish in the top three in the “medium command size” category. “This is the first SLW that HOWARD has been able to participate in for the past three years due to deployments, so we’re motivated and excited to come out and show everyone what a strong team we are, and what HOWARD can do.”

Surface Line Week, a ten-day contest sponsored by CNSP, will run through Aug 20. This marquee event features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of seamanship and sporting events. SLW will conclude with an awards ceremony on Friday, followed by the annual Surface Warrior Ball on Saturday.

For more information on SLW events, please contact the CNSP Public Affairs office at 619-437-2735.

View Surface Line Week event photos, video coverage, and more at www.surfaceforces.surfor.navy.mil or follow the Surface Force at www.facebook.com/surfacewarriors.

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